The Coercive Acts (1774)

The Restraining Acts, known as the Coercive Acts in England and the Intolerable Acts in America were introduced by Lord

George III

North, who acted under the encouragement of King George III. Their purpose was to restore order in Massachusetts after the Boston Tea Party and other acts of defiance.

The Boston Port Act

Beginning on June 1, 1774 Boston Port was shut down until the colonists paid for the tea dumped at the Boston Tea Party

The Quartering Act

Soldiers were to be housed in the colonies.

The Administration of Justice Act

Passed on May 20, 1774, this act allowed British officials accused of crimes in the colonies to be moved to Britain for trial.

Massachusetts Government Act

This act, passed on May 20, 1774 instituted strict royal control of the Government of Massachusetts. Severe limits were placed on town meetings, a key part of American self- government.

Important People

Lord North

Lord North- Prime Minister of Great Britain from 1770-1782

George III- King of great Britain and Ireland

Colonists' Reactions

These acts created sympathy for formerly mistrusted Massachusetts. The harshness of these acts led to more radical views among the colonists.

A British Political cartoon depicting the Coercive Acts as an assault upon a Native American woman